Can't wait!
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It is a huge responsibility, because you have to know when you move from your parents, finding a place that allows dogs is harder than it used to be.
You are lucky to find a breeder willing to place a pup with someone still living at home. My rule was no one who hadn't finished college (though 2 were in vet school and one vet tech, but all in their mid 20s and own apartments/homes).
That said, my best owner ever was only 17, graduating high school in a few months. She had worked for my vet since she was 14 and on my vet's recommendation I allowed her to take the pic puppy from my very first litter. 21 yrs later, she is one of my best and dearest friends and went from co-breeder to own her own, dogs at Westminster and other invitationals.
What is funny is it wasn't til about 8 yrs later that her dad (her parents are also good friends now lol) let me know Brenda LIED TO ME about them saying she could get it. In fact he told her if she got a Rottweiler they would kick her out. She told him she guessed she'd be sleeping in her car or living at Shirley's then (the vet). ROFLMAO, they have had 3 of the line on their own over the years, btw. They more than came around.
So trust me, I know there are exceptions. You just have to keep in mind that changes in your life are coming–- new education or jobs, moving, family/kids and this pup will be there for all of it... you have to have a game plan. :)
Thank you, but I'm much younger than you think I am. I'll be living at home for a while :)
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I begged and pleaded for three years (I even made a 3 inch presentation binder to my parents every Christmas) before I got my first basenji at 13. He moved out with me into my boyfriend's condo when I was in my early 20s, and he passed just 2 months shy of his 17th birthday.
I was more responsible because of that dog. I also turned away a lot of jerk boyfriends because of that dog. I will be forever grateful for him. -
Since these guys can live to mid teens and older, it still applies. :) But if you have years, they may get so attached they won't LET you take the dog, lol. :) Knipper…. good for you! Your dog was lucky to have found you.
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Nope, I think I'll take the dog. :)
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It is something to think about and I can't fault a breeder for taking that into consideration. The shelter I volunteer at will not let college kids adopt animals because who knows what will happen when it's time to move back home. This of course is unfair to those "kids" who are responsible pet owners and would do anything for their pets. A few bad eggs always ruin it for the rest of us! I can only imagine the stories breeders have. :(
That being said…I got my Cody when I was 17. I got a job and saved all my money for 2 years to buy him. My parents never EVER had to spend a dime on him (unless it was a gift of course!) and this included food, vet bills, show fees, gas money to get to shows and... let's just say VERY large vet bill near the end of his life. He was MY dog and MY responsibility! It also helped that I stayed home for college (Vet Tech school) and am now working at a vet hospital ;). When I thought about moving out my parents BEGGED me to leave Cody with them. Sorry, he was my baby! I ended up staying home and now have Mr. Elliot who go with me where ever I end up. :) I'm glad his breeder didn't let my age sway him from letting me have him. He was my life and my best pal.
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Got Beo about two years ago, and can't imagine how I lived without him for all those years. I kind of pity other dog owners now really, they just don't know what they're missing.
The parents were incredibly hesitant after hearing me describe how "destructive, prey oriented, and command deaf" they could be when I was looking at the basenji breed. Fast forward two years later; I'm moving out and they're going through a basenji withdrawal period….trying to find ways to sneak him into their room at night, and take him out for "long walks". I swear...can't turn my back for two seconds or else he's gone and they're gone...hmm.
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Well you will always have Basenji sitters for when you need too and you will always have the best present idea(a Basenji) for when your parents have a special anniversary and you don't live at home anymore. You are lucky to have a special relationship with your dog and that your parents let you have one, I also was worried about the reputation Basenii have, but find my boy is what I call a normal dog and definitely has some wonderful qualities. I envy you as you have a whole life ahead of you filled with Basenji to come and I'm sure it will always be interesting.
Jolanda and Kaiser
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My breeder had a litter and is planning to have another one next week. The pups are almost two weeks old and I can take one home at nine weeks. I am so excited!
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Who is your breeder and the pups sire and dam (s)…. many of us here are related by our Basenjis
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Chris Maxka from Sundiata Basenjis. The dam of the litter that is one week old is Ch. Sundiata's Taffanel and the one that's due next week is Ch. Sundiata's Piccolo. I don't know who the studs are.
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Chris has some very nice Basenjis. None of mine are related to hers, but you have a good breeder
